Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Allen, TX
Relocating 788 mi from Chattanooga to Allen is a 14h 7m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
788 mi Β· 14h 7m by car Β· TN β GA β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β GA β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 30, US 70 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Memphis, Little Rock, Mckinney, Plano |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chattanooga | Allen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.464 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.209 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.994 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.55 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 12.7% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 12.7% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $319,579 to $493,532 moving to Allen.
YoY change: Chattanooga -0.8%, Allen -6.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chattanooga | Allen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.0" | 38.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Chattanooga (61.9Β°F) and Allen (65.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US, MCKINNEY MUNI AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chattanooga | Allen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 182,832 | 107,684 |
| Median household income | $61,028 | $129,130 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 38.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 33.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.97 |
Expect median household income to rise 12.7% β $61,028 β $129,130 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Allen MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Allen average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Allen more expensive than Chattanooga?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allen is 12.7% higher than Chattanooga (103.09 vs 91.464, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Chattanooga to Allen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 788 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Allen, TX from Chattanooga, TN?
The driving distance is 788 mi and the route typically takes 14h 7m via I 40 and I 30. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Allen compared to Chattanooga?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $493,532 in Allen vs $319,579 in Chattanooga β a 54.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Allen compare to Chattanooga?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Allen MSA vs $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 261,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Chattanooga vs Allen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $129,130 in Allen vs $61,028 in Chattanooga β a 111.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chattanooga.
City profiles: Chattanooga, TN Β· Allen, TX.